Ecclestone has 2014 contract with Pirelli

Amid the ‘test-gate’ storm and uncertainty about the future, Bernie Ecclestone has revealed that Pirelli “has a contract” beyond 2013.

Until now, with the Italian marque pushing hard for a new deal but at the same time expressing frustration with its situation in F1, it was thought Pirelli had no contract beyond its original three-year deal covering 2011-2012-2013.

But when asked on Thursday about Pirelli’s situation, chief executive Ecclestone told F1 business journalist Christian Sylt,: “We have got a contract with Pirelli for next year.”

Presumably, Ecclestone was referring to the organisation he leads, Formula One Management, who control the sport’s commercial rights separate to the governing FIA.